“This is going to be my last year but…,” ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal reveals his retirement plans in 2024 as Roland Garros awaits one last showdown

Rafael Nadal speaks about his plans for the future as he prepares himself for one final dance at the Roland Garros.

“This is going to be my last year but…,” ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal reveals his retirement plans in 2024 as Roland Garros awaits one last showdown

Rafael Nadal after winning the 2022 French Open. (credits: Tennis365)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been recovering from a hip injury after making an impressive comeback at the Brisbane International. 

But the buzz generated ahead of his sensational return suffered a major shock as the 22-time Grand Slam title winner decided to not feature at the upcoming Doha Open as well.

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Everyone expected great things from Nadal at the Australian Open, but he couldn’t participate in the first slam of the year due to reoccurring injuries.  

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At the recent interview session with Angel Garcia on the sets of Cope’s El Partidazo, he was asked about his plans for the future.

Nadal made himself understandable to his fans as he claimed that 2024 was most likely going to be his last year. He talked about one final dance at his favorite competition, the French Open, where he has reigned for the last two decades, winning 13 titles. 

Nadal also talked about taking things seriously and plans on being safe-sided as he prepares himself for the clay season.

This is going to be my last year but I don’t confirm it 100%. I will go day by day. I’ll say it before Roland Garros. I give myself a few months of caution. You know that things can happen, so I can’t define things months in advance after a year without competing.

He said

Rafael Nadal’s take on spending time away from tennis

Furthermore, Nadal talked about how he has been enjoying his time away from the court as well. Nadal has been going through several surgeries for the last couple of months. And due to his time away from the court, he has built quite an interest in football as he continues to support his boyhood club through thick and thin.

Rafael Nadal during one of the matches of Real Madrid. (credits: ESPN India)

Even in a recent interview, he wasn’t able to hide the fact that he wants Real Madrid to build on their legacy and strengthen their squad even more. 

Yes, and for me I have to sign him(Mbappe) but I don't have to make the decision. Madrid has a super team, beyond injuries, and with it they would have a great team.
He said

Nadal shared that he would love to see Kylian Mbappe wearing the white shirt and joining the ranks of Vinicius and Jude Bellingham. It was also evident from Nadal’s words about how satisfied he was with the recent contract renewal of coach Carlo Ancelotti. 

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